Summer Rising
The DOE Summer Rising application has closed. If your child has received placement at a Summer Rising location, you should receive an email from them. If you applied and did not receive notification, email dmarkewich@schools.nyc.gov and I can check it for you.
Some other options:
West Side Commons Program:
Summer Day Camp (Ages 5 – 13)
Daily Summer Camp
Camp is now enrolling for the 2023 school year! Enrollment is first come, first served, so lock in your spot by submitting all your paperwork on time.
The camp runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Camp includes a hot meal, outdoor playtime, a rotating schedule of fun art activities, trips, and more.
Tuition for each child is FREE.
We are a bilingual program that speaks Spanish and English.
To pick up an application, please visit our site at 696 Amsterdam Avenue. (Between 93rd and 94th street)
Summer day camp provides seven weeks of adventure during the summer months from July through August. Day camp activities are designed to expose campers to various cultural institutions and attractions throughout New York City and incorporate the arts in diverse learning activities.
2023 Summer Camp Options–July 5 to August 18
For more information and registration: https://artsandathletics.org/camps/summercamp/
Inside Schools
Welcome to a rare Thursday edition of our newsletter.
We took an extra day to scour our Free Programs and other resources to put together a list of summer opportunities still available. Whether you're one of the 45,000 families who didn't get a Summer Rising spot, or just want to explore free activities available to NYC families this summer, check out our long list in Free and Awesome.
Resources and opportunities for NYC families.
Our favorite newsletters for NYC families
Want to be the first to learn about free programs and opportunities across the city? Sign up for the following free newsletters:
Creative workshops for teens
Project Inspire offers online, evening workshops for middle and high school students that teach a range of skills including creative writing, data analytics, web development and coding (Java). Workshops are held twice a week for five weeks. Register online.
Summer tutoring for elementary and middle school students
Project Inspire offers summer tutoring for students in grades K to 8. Register online.
Rocketry, robotics, computer coding & other STEM activities for kids & teens
The York College NASA MUREP Aerospace Academy offers an in-person summer program (July 2023) that aims to get young people excited about STEM subjects in school—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. The application is not yet live but keep checking this link. Learn more about the NASA MUREP Aerospace Academy here.
Free NYC Museum and Zoo Days
Look up venues that offer free admission or "pay what you wish" options at NYC Arts and Mommy Poppins.
City pools and beaches
City outdoor pools open for the season on June 29, 2023. Beaches are open now.
Get a library card
Get your free library card at the New York (Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island), Brooklyn, or Queens public libraries.
Explore NYC museums and more with Culture Pass
Once you have a library card, you may use it to reserve free passes to 80+ cultural institutions via Culture Pass.
Family kayaking
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse offers free kayaking over the summer. Reservations for each session open exactly two weeks in advance. Limited walk-ups (same-day sign-ups) may be available.
Rowing, Sailing, and Birding on the Bronx River
Enjoy free rowing, sailing, and birding along the Bronx River most Saturdays through Rocking the Boat.
Sailing and Nature Camp
Rocking the Boat offers a free summer camp for rising 6th- through 8th- graders. There are two sessions: July 10-28 and July 31-August 18.
New York Junior League Tennis
Registration is continuous and open for free tennis lessons for ages 5-15. Lessons typically run 1.5 hours. Find a tennis court near you,
The best sprinkler parks in NYC. When the temperature hits 80 degrees you and your kids will be looking from some cool relief. Check out the list of best sprinkler parks across the city, compiled by Mommy Poppins.
Our Free Programs guide lets you explore a wide range of after-school, weekend, and summer opportunities for students of all ages.